The British Columbia Utilities Commission is an independent agency of the Government of British Columbia. Below, we’ll outline the services provided by the BCUC, its history, contact information, and any other important information regarding the BC Utilities Commission.
What does the BC Utilities Commission do?
The British Columbia Utilities Commission ensures that energy utility ratepayers are provided with reliable, safe, and non-discriminatory energy services at reasonable cost from providers such as BC Hydro. Additionally, they also ensure that the shareholders of such utilities are given the opportunity to earn a fair return on their investment in energy services.
Other than regulating BC’s energy utilities, the BCUC also regulates the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia’s universal compulsory automobile insurance, common carrier pipeline operations and rates, mandatory reliability standards registrants, thermal energy system providers as well as the reliability of British Columbia’s electrical transmission grid.
As a part of regulating various entities, the BCUC undertakes the following:
- Reviewing questions and complaints regarding the actions of the above-mentioned regulated entities.
- Licenses and oversees the activities of gas marketers as well as reviewing and responding to gas marketing disputes and complaints.
- Establishes tolls and conditions of service for common carriers, purchasers, and processors.
- Reviews energy and automobile basic insurance matters referred to it by the British Columbia government.
- Collects and publishes information on GasPricesBC.ca about gasoline and diesel fuel activities in BC.
The History of the British Columbia Utilities Commission
Records of the BCUC as an economic regulator go back to 1938 when the Public Utilities Commission was first established. In 1973, they were known as the BC Energy Commission, which regulated privately owned utilities as well as the price of oil and oil by-products. Additionally, they conducted studies and prepared energy reports for the Minister of Energy, Transport and Communications.
In 1980, the current mandate or iteration of the BCUC was established alongside the introduction of the Utilities Commission Act.
British Columbia Utilities Commission Reports and Statistics
Overall, the BCUC has a number of reports, fact sheets and plans available for public and shareholder viewing to promote transparency, education as well as the collection of feedback to improve work processes.
Below, we’ve highlighted a few key reports and fact sheets to help better your understanding of the British Columbia Utilities Commission:
- Annual Report – Each year, the BCUC puts out a report to the Lieutenant Governor in Council for review and acceptance. In this report, you can find information on specific regulatory activities, acts and legislations, performance metrics, recoveries and expenses, a summary for decisions, reasons for decisions and negotiated settlements as well as a summary of orders. You can also find comprehensive information on regulated electricity, thermal energy, and gas sales here, in addition to a list of regulated entities, licensed gas marketers and mandatory reliability standards registrants.
- How Utilities Make Money Fact Sheet – This document explains the process of how the BCUC determines a fair return for utilities, such that these utility companies can fairly compensate its shareholders.
- About the British Columbia Utilities Commission Face Sheet – This document gives an overview of what the BCUC does, as well as the ways that stakeholders or the public can have their voice heard regarding decisions or complaints that affect them. It also outlines what matters the BCUC can assist members of the public with, the most common of which are listed below:
- Disconnection of service
- Billing issues
- Metering and meter reading
- Application of standard charges and rates
- Tariff related customer service matters
- Power reliability
- Maintenance of power lines or related equipment
- Requests for information regarding service or regulations.
- Compliance with Utilities Commission Act and BCUC directives
- Common Carrier matters
- Fuel Prices
How can I contact the British Columbia Utilities Commission?
Below is the contact information for the British Columbia Utilities Commission:
Suite 410, 900 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC Canada V6Z 2N3
Monday – Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm
Phone: 604.660.4700
BC Toll-free: 1.800.663.1385
Fax: 604.660.1102
Website: https://www.bcuc.com/
Email: commission.secretary@bcuc.com
How can I file a complaint with the British Columbia Utilities Commission in regard to one of its regulated entities?
As a first step, the BCUC suggests contacting the regulated entity directly to resolve the matter. During your interaction with the regulated entity, keep a detailed account of the problem, including:
- The dates you have contacted the company.
- Details regarding your complaint, including a timeline of events.
- Copies of all correspondence and bills.
- Names of individuals you have communicated with.
If you are unable to resolve the issue with the regulated entity, you may contact the BCUC in writing with the following information:
- Your name, service address and phone number.
- Your account number.
- The type of utility service, including company name.
- Your content to your information, including correspondence, being shared with the company.
- A detailed description of your complaint with all relevant details.
- A description of the contacts you have made with the company in addition to the reason(s) why your complaint remains unresolved.
Do note that your complaint must meet the following two requirements in order to be considered by the BCUC:
- Your complaint must be a specific complaint about a regulated company.
- You (the customer) must demonstrate an attempt to resolve the issue with the company before contacting the Commission.
